Frequently Asked Questions

The purpose of the Master of Science in Education (formerly Career and Technical Education) is to provide in-depth skills and knowledge in teaching and administration. This is accomplished by working with the very best instructional faculty each have expertise in their fields. Candidates can focus on teaching strategies, marketing and business education practices, in-depth strategies for special needs, curriculum and instruction, and administrative practices. The Career and Technical Education Coordinator administrative license approved by DPI is also offered as a concentration.

The Ed.S. in Education is an advanced graduate degree requiring a M.S. degree to be considered for the program. The Ed.S. is designed to be terminal degree for many of those in the technical college, in business and industry, or an in-between degree for those candidates wanted to go on for a doctorate. The course work is designed to prepare candidates for a collateral field of expertise. The Ed.S. in Education has a strong articulation agreement with the University of Minnesota (U of M) so a student can use this collateral field at the U of M to earn a educational doctorate or a doctorate of philosophy degree. Several Ed.S. in CTE (former name) students have already completed their doctorate utilizing the articulation agreement with the U of M.

Most of the candidates in the program are teaching or working in the technical college system, have jobs in business and industry, a high school or a university. Some of the M.S. candidates aspire to teach in technical college system. Several of the Ed.S. graduates hold administrative positions in technical colleges and universities. Several hold upper level position in business and industry. Typical job titles include lead instructor, department chair, associate dean, dean, director, curriculum developer, CTE coordinator, instructional servicers administrator, and telecommunications administrator. Opportunities will vary with the individual institution, company or agency.

UW-Stout has a great reputation because it uses instructors that have expertise in the field that they teach. We would never put an elementary school faculty member for example teaching a technical college curriculum course. We would have an instructor that has taught in the technical college system. The assignments are relevant and meaning full to the student. They have direct application to what candidates are doing or expected to perform in the field. Resources used are relevant and pertain to the content.

CTE Leader: UW-Stout has partnered with many of Wisconsin’s technical colleges over the years. Our M.S. in CTE and Ed.S. in Education programs are instrumental in developing instructors and administrators who later work and lead in these post-secondary institutions. These relationships are utilized to provide the best education for UW-Stout students, no matter where their career goals direct them.

Flexibility: For the past 20 years, the M.S. in CTE and Ed.S. in Education have been at several locations throughout the State of Wisconsin. The program has run cohorts in Tomah, Milwaukee, Appleton, Waukesha, Green Bay and Wausau. Courses offered at these remote sites are face-to-face, online and blended instruction and designed to earn a M.S. degree in two years. If you are out of state, or cannot make it to campus or one of the remote sites, the M.S. can be earned online. The Ed.S. in Education program also has most of the course work available via online courses. This flexibility is perfect for the full-time working adult. It is also helpful that many candidates can transfer 10 graduate credits into the M.S. in CTE degree, and 12 graduate credits into the Ed.S. program. This credit transfer is completed with approval from the program director.

Size: There are approximately 260 student presently in the M.S. program and about 65 in the Ed.S. program. Approximately 30 M.S. students graduate each year, along with 4-5 Ed.S. students.

Facilities and Technology: When enrolling in the M.S. or Ed.S. programs, a computer is a must. Online access is essential because all students are required to access online courses, the library, schedules, registration, and other resources for class work and advisement. If on site, UW-Stout offers campus-wide wireless access.

Location: UW-Stout is located in West Central Wisconsin, only 65 miles east of the twin cities. The beautiful campus is located not far from Lake Menomin along I-94. There are many excellent residence halls, athletic events, and many organizations for on campus students to engage in. Consider visiting the campus or taking virtual tour on the UW-Stout website.

UW-Stout is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). In September 2012, the University of Wisconsin-Stout transitioned from the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), to the Open Pathway model of accreditation through the HLC.

The Open Pathway seeks to achieve the following goals.

To enhance institutional value by opening the improvement aspect of accreditation so that institutions may choose Quality Initiatives to suit their current circumstances

To reduce the reporting burden on institutions by utilizing as much information and data as possible from existing institutional processes and collecting them in electronic form as they naturally occur over time